Fast bowler Zaheer Khan [Images] congratulated the Indian team on winning the third Test in Perth and said he is proud of the way the team performed despite all the problems going into the match.

- One of my best wins, says Kumble

"It is a historic win," Zaheer told rediff.com on Saturday.

"It is a great thing for Indian cricket. I am really proud of the way the team played in the Perth Test match. The Australians were on the verge of their 17th consecutive Test victory and to stop them from achieving it is really special."

India beat Australia by 72 runs on day four of the third Test to snap the world champions' record 16-match winning streak.

Zaheer, who was ruled out of the Test series after playing the opening match due to an injured left heel, admitted that he missed being part of the victorious Indian team.

- India wins 4th Test | Images

However, he added: "It is something that is not in my hands. My leg is in a cast and I am out injured. And when you  are not part of something you will always miss it. But I watched the full match and supported the team throughout. It was a great Test match."

The 29-year-old described how tough it was for the team going into the Perth Test and said the team deserves special praise for coming out trumps.

Anil Kumble [Images] and his boys were not only reeling from poor umpiring which robbed them of a possible win in Sydney, but they also had to fight for Harbhajan Singh [Images], who is fighting to clear his name of racist allegations against Andrew Symonds [Images].

"I was tough for the team right from the start of the tour. First we went into the first Test at Melbourne with not enough practice. We had just one practice game before the first Test which I don't think is enough.

"And then the problems in Sydney and we came into this match 0-2 down, so it was a great comeback by the team and I am really happy for the team."

India were 0-2 down in the series after losing the opening Test in Melbourne followed by the controversial loss in Sydney but managed to outplay the hosts in Perth. The left-armer believes credits the turnaround to India's batting display in the first innings of the second Test, when they posted in excess of 500.

"The way we batted in Sydney I think we pulled things back a bit and that is when we started put pressure on Australia. I always believe that for us to do well our batting has to click as a unit and our team has to click as a unit," he said.

Zaheer also showered praise on fellow left-armer Irfan Pathan [Images] and said he deserves special mention for making such an inspired comeback.

"Being a fast bowler in sub-continent conditions is not easy. It is really tough to bowl on these pitches and you go through a lot of ups and downs including injuries and poor form in a long career. It is important how you come out of that and keep your focus on the game and become a better bowler.

"The way Irfan has come back it has been an example of this. His performance in this Test has been great and I congratulate him on his success."

Zaheer also seemed thrilled with the performance of youngsters RP Singh and Ishant Sharma, who took vital wickets in both the innings. He said the future of India's fast bowling is bright and it is heartening to see youngsters deliver when it matters.

"I have been saying his for a long time now that it is important to have a good crop of young fast bowlers. There are quite a few young talented fast bowlers around the country and whenever they have got a chance they have stood up to the challenge and delivered the goods.

In the last 5-6 years, it has been incredible to see these young bowlers come through and we now have good bunch of fast bowlers in India."

Zaheer said he will call up his team mates and congratulate them on his famous win.

"I will let the team savour this moment. I will call them later on and I am sure the night will be long today. I am sure they will have a big celebration and enjoy this victory," he said.